ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP FOURTH ROUND:Aston Villa 2 Burnley 1
SUBSTITUTE STEWART Downing’s extra-time goal sealed a quarter-final spot for 10-man Aston Villa and ended brave Burnley’s challenge at Villa Park.
The England winger settled the fourth-round tie with his powerful shot after 96 minutes.
Burnley defender Clark Carlisle had cancelled out Villa substitute Emile Heskey’s opener with just a minute of normal time remaining.
Villa had winger Marc Albrighton sent off four minutes after Downing scored but they held on to reach the last eight.
However Villa needed two fine saves in extra-time from goalkeeper Brad Friedel to prevent the tie being settled by penalties.
Villa finally broke the deadlock after 86 minutes through Heskey. who sidefooted home Ashley Young’s low cross from close range.
But with a minute remaining Burnley forced the game into extra-time. Ross Wallace supplied the cross from the right and Carlisle climbed above the Villa defence to head past Friedel.
Villa restored their lead after six minutes of extra-time. Downing checked back onto his favoured left foot and his fierce shot found the net despite goalkeeper Lee Grant getting a hand to the ball.
ASTON VILLA:Friedel, Lichaj, Clark, Cuellar, Beye, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Sidwell (Collins 118), Bannan (Downing 64), Ireland (Heskey 59), Ashley Young. Subs not used: Guzan, Delfouneso, Hogg, Johnson. Sent off: Albrighton (100). Booked: Reo-Coker, Heskey. Goals: Heskey 86, Downing 96.
BURNLEY:Grant, Mears, Carlisle, Duff, Fox, Alexander, Rodriguez, Marney (Elliott 69), Cork (Thompson 87), Wallace, Paterson (Iwelumo 106). Subs not used: Jensen, Edgar, Bikey, Easton. Goal: Carlisle 89.
Attendance:34,618
Referee:Michael Jones (Cheshire).
